Minnesota communities embrace Army Families

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren joins Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty with Soldiers and their family members for a photo after signing the Army Family Community Covenant in a ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (right) and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren enjoy lunch at the Governor's home prior to the Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Members of the Minnesota Army Family community recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren signs the Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant in a ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Secretary of the Army (left) and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty share information about the artwork scattered throughout the Minnesota State Capitol prior to the Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony in the building, June 16.

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren speaks during the Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren talks with senior military leaders at Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty's home prior to the Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol building, June 16.

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren takes a moment to appreciate the Recruiter and Retention Hall of Fame at the Roseville National Guard Recruiting Station in Roseville, Minn., June 16.

The Minnesota Army Family Community Covenant signing ceremony takes place at the Minnesota State Capitol building with Secretary of the Army Pete Geren and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, June 16.